Faith Formation
Alpha
Alpha is a space to explore life's big questions, to say what you think, and to hear other people's points of view. If you have any questions, please email stephanie.demboski@epiphanyparish.com
Who is Alpha For?
Alpha is for anyone. People attend from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints. They come to investigate questions about the existence of God, the purpose of life, what happens after death, the teachings of Jesus, and more. Many guests have never been to church. Others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. Others attend church regularly. Everyone is welcome.
Alpha USA website.
See our Events page to sign up for the current session.
Alpha Recipes
This folder in Google Drive cloud storage has recipes for large groups.
OCIA
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The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, OCIA (formerly called RCIA) is for non-Catholics, Catholics who are not Confirmed, and Catholics interested in learning more about the foundation of our beliefs. Classes offer the opportunity to discover or deepen your relationship with God through time in scripture, study, prayer, and fellowship.
It includes several stages, including study, prayer, and rites at Mass. Participants in the OCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a conversion process as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
The process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism.
See the Events page for information on when our next class begins.
Rich Sealy coordinates the program and can be reached via email or through the parish office.
Walking with Purpose
Walking with Purpose is a Catholic women’s Bible study that aims to bring women to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ by offering personal study and small group discussion that link our everyday challenges and struggles with the solutions given to us through the teachings of Christ and the Roman Catholic Church.
Email WWP@EpiphanyParish.com if you have questions.
Check the events page for current studies.
See also the Walking with Purpose website.
Charismatic Renewal Prayer Group
The Charismatic Renewal Group meeting meets on Thursdays from 6:45 - 8:15 pm in the church library (we also allow people to join by phone or Zoom). The prayer meeting is open to anyone who wants to join and can leave at any time. Our meeting is conducted in an atmosphere of love and support for one another in an effort to grow in the knowledge and love of God, and we show this love in our attitude to each other. Throughout, the aim is to be open to the action of God’s Spirit in the meeting. We start the meeting by praising God enthusiastically. Silence is an important part of the worship period. Someone may share a brief part of Scripture. Prayer for healing and other needs is always available for those who ask for it. In addition, many people may find a new dimension to their spiritual lives and discover the love of God in a more profound way.
For more information email Dr. Nweze Nnakwe nnnakwe@yahoo.com.
Servants of the Shepherd Prayer Group
The Servants of the Shepherd Prayer Group meets on Wednesdays mornings. Our Zoom meetings begin at 10:30 on Wednesday mornings. We continue to pray the Holy Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours. You are very welcome to join us for all or part of our morning together.
For more information, please e-mail cjnalew@frontier.com
Small Groups
There are many other small groups led by Epiphany parishioners who don’t meet in the church building. A few of the regular ongoing ones are listed below.
Contact our Adult Faith Coordinator, Stephanie Demboski (stephanie.demboski@epiphanyparish.com) and she will help match you up with a group.
Bibles and Beers Men’s Group: Meets 8:00-9:00 pm alternating Wednesday Nights at 2712 Degarmo St., Bloomington,
Bible Study on the Acts of the Apostles
Contact David Demboski-lead, 309-824-1735 to join
St. Ignatius Men’s Small Group: Meets 7:30-8:30 on Wednesday Nights at 11 Deerfield Court, Bloomington. We go over the daily Mass readings, keep each other spiritually accountable.
Contact Joe Blaney, 309-242-6367, jrblane@ilstu.edu to join
Women’s Small Group: 6:30-8:00 PM on Tuesday Nights. The group decides on various studies and reflections.
Contact Lizzy Obrien, elizabeth.obrien122@gmail.com to join